Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a landmark shift in the United Kingdom’s defence strategy, declaring that the nation is moving towards “war-fighting readiness” in response to growing global threats.
Speaking in Glasgow, Starmer outlined a series of major investments aimed at strengthening national security, including the construction of up to 12 attack submarines, at least six new munitions factories, and a £15 billion investment in the UK’s sovereign nuclear warhead programme.
“The frontline is here,” Starmer stated, emphasizing the increasing risks posed by cyber threats, nuclear escalation, and Russian aggression. “We face war in Europe, new nuclear risks, daily cyber attacks, and growing threats in our waters and skies. The most effective way to deter them is to be ready—and to show them that we are ready.”
The Strategic Defence Review, led by former NATO Secretary-General George Robertson, will be published in full later today. The review sets out three fundamental changes to the UK’s defence posture:
1. War-Fighting Readiness– Making readiness the central purpose of the armed forces.
2. NATO-First Approach– Strengthening the UK’s role within the alliance.
3. Accelerated Innovation – Advancing military technology at a wartime pace.
The government has committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next Parliament. However, Starmer declined to set a precise date for achieving the 3% target, stating that financial feasibility must be ensured before making firm commitments.
The new submarines will be built as part of the AUKUS programme, a trilateral security partnership between the UK, Australia, and the US. Starmer pledged that a new submarine will be delivered every 18 months, reinforcing Britain’s naval capabilities